What if we've been designing our buildings, offices, and classrooms all wrong? Not just aesthetically, but fundamentally missing what human brains actually need to function well?

Kelly Colón, executive function coach and neurodivergence advocate, takes us on a foundation-shifting journey through the world of neuro-inclusive design. With her background in built environment design, facilities management, and her personal experience as a neurodivergent individual, Kelly offers a unique perspective that challenges core assumptions about how we create spaces.

For decades, we've designed buildings using formulas focused on square footage, budget, and aesthetics—while completely overlooking the neurological needs of the humans who inhabit these spaces. This oversight isn't merely an inconvenience; it actively dysregulates nervous systems and contributes to widespread mental health challenges in our workplaces.

Through real-world examples like glass staircases that become unusable for neurodivergent individuals who can't establish visual reference points for proprioception, Kelly demonstrates how seemingly beautiful design elements can create functional barriers. She shares why the post-pandemic resistance to returning to offices isn't merely preference—it's because many people discovered for the first time how their traditional workplaces were working against their sensory and cognitive needs.

The most powerful insight? 

When we design for neurodivergent individuals, we create spaces that work better for everyone. This isn't about special accommodations; it's about understanding fundamental human neurological needs. As Kelly provocatively challenges the furniture industry: "Stop building and creating solutions to problems you do not understand."

Whether you're a furniture professional, designer, architect, or simply someone who occupies designed spaces (which is all of us), this conversation will transform how you think about the environments we create and inhabit. 

Follow Kelly on social media or visit her website to learn more about creating truly human-centered, neuro-inclusive environments.

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